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Chinese Medicine perceives that there is no "out there", there is no separation between ourselves and each-other and the universe at large. At any moment in time, we exist as a microcosm of a much vaster macrocosm. We function as an "individual" in our waking day to day lives, yet we submerge into a much greater field of energy at night when we sleep.

Our ability to surrender into a state of deep rest (stillness) relates to the function of our nervous and lymphatic system. These systems can be visualised as complex webs that exist inside our bodies, that regulate our mood, stress response, metabolic and immune functions. These inner webs are inextricably linked to greater and more complex webs in the energetic realm outside our body. When these systems are functioning in harmony (balance), we are able to relax easily, let go of the day and submerge into the "ocean of oneness" (or Source energy). In this realm we exist purely as a function of creative consciousness, there is no matter, thus no separation, only absolute connection. Merging into this ocean has a restorative and regulatory effect, stimulating the bodies innate healing processes.

At any moment in time, we can close our eyes, become very still and merge into this field of energy. We start to sense ourselves as a tiny drop in this ocean of life, part of an intelligence that is much greater than ourselves as an individual.

As a Chinese Medicine practitioner, two of the most common issues that i treat in clinic is anxiety and insomnia. We are more stimulated and disconnected from self than ever before. Chronic stress (overstimulation) dysregulates the nervous system, so that a person feels over-whelmed and unable to submerge back into source energy. This is often felt as an inability to "switch off" and relax in the evening. This internal restlessness often perpetuates the need to distract oneself with external stimulation such as T.V, computer games or the internet. More distraction causes further over-stimulation which eventually results in exhaustion and fatigue. We all certainly know what it feels like to be in this place. It's just so easy to lose our centre in modern life.

To harmonise the nervous and lymphatic systems and assist the submerging function, i suggest the following:

1.Go to bed earlier. Going to bed before 10.30pm allows adequate time for submerging function and helps to re-balance an overactive nervous system.

2.Take a warm bath in the evening before bed. The purifying effect of water helps the body to let go of the built up tension from the day.

3.Start a regular meditation or yoga practice. A daily meditation practice does not need to be long and arduous, a short 10 minute guided practice is a fantastic way to submerge and re-connect. If sitting is too difficult, try some gentle hatha yoga to release tension from the body.

5.Shut down WIFI, blue-tooth and data functions on your phone at night before you go to sleep.

6.Ensure that your bedroom is completely dark while sleeping. This means that if you open your eyes, you cannot see your hands in front of your face.

6.Don't consume any caffeine for at least 6 hours before bedtime.

7.Catch yourself in "projective thinking" mode (obsessing too far ahead in the future). Over-thinking everything that we have to deal with in the future creates overwhelm. Slow down by taking a few gentle deep breaths, connect with your body, and practice being "right here, right now".

Article written by Rachel Berners (Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner & Cat Lover).
This article was inspired by the teachings of Heiner Fruehauf, PhD, LAc, Founding Professor of the College of Classical Chinese Medicine at NUNM.

Most of our waking hours, we are focused purely on our body, our environment and time. This is how we work, perform tasks and get things done. We often don't stop long enough to really tune in and become present to our energy. Even when we go to the doctor, our main concerns are that of our physical body function, less so about the way that we are managing our energy.

Yet it is our energy to which life responds, and it is our state of energy flow that governs the way our physical body functions.

Energy is what we are made of, and what connects us to all of life. In terms of Wellness and disease prevention, how we manage our energy is of vital importance.

As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine for over 15 years, one thing that i notice, is that once a person starts to manage their energy better, their life and physical health tends to improve.

So, how do we begin the process of better managing our energy?

The answer to this question lies deep in the natural cycles and rhythms of nature. Chinese Medicine appreciates that we are part of, and not separate from the earth, and in fact the entire universe. And one thing that nature innately knows how to do, is balance itself. Our bodies also contain this innate self regulating intelligence. In order to access this healing intelligence, we need to slow down, become very still, and allow our mind to acquiesce. We must let go of our body and mind, connect to this intelligence, and allow it to take over. This means that we need to make time for regular periods of stillness.

When you book in for your monthly Acupuncture "tune-up", you are taking this hour of your life to become still, re-centre and allow this intelligence to re-balance your bodies energetic field. This helps to dislodge built up day to day stress and tension, which, if not cleared, over time can manifest into physical symptoms and "dis-ease". You are also helping to clear any underlying emotional blockages which may be slowing down your energy vibration and causing mental agitation. Your monthly Acupuncture "tune-up" is your commitment to maintaining your own INNER BALANCE. By harmonizing body, mind and heart, you are maintaining yourself in your highest enegetic vibration, and over time will notice that you become more present and centred in your life. This will not only have direct positive effects on your physical health, it will also help you to become more empowered in all aspects of your life. You may notice that you start to feel happier and more confident. Your work performance may improve. Your personal relationships may start to flourish. You may start to feel more confident expressing yourself emotionally. Inner balance naturally results in outer harmony. When we get the inner right, the outer will naturally follow.

For energetic re-balancing and maintaining wellness (and prevention of disease), i strongly recommend Acupuncture "tune-ups" every 4-5 weeks. Do this for yourself. Make the commitment to yourself and your life. Why? Because you are worth it. This is body-mind medicine. This is the highest form of self-care. By maintaining yourself in alignment, you are emitting the highest possible version of yourself to the world.